Think Sphinx - The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Think Sphinx
In the Egyptian Art Galleries
What is a sphinx?
The typical ancient Egyptian sphinx is a creature with a
lion’s body and a human head. Usually sphinxes depict
the king (pharaoh). A lion body could also be combined
with the heads of other animals—for example the
head of a ram or a falcon—to represent a god.
Why were sphinxes made?
Most sphinx statues were guardians of temples.
Usually they were shown lying on their bellies,
but with legs firmly planted on the ground,
ready to pounce. There are also depictions
of the king as a sphinx fighting or trampling
enemies. This demonstrated his ability to protect
the country.
Where are they found?
Sphinx statues are frequently found around
temple sites. Often a pair of sphinxes stood on
either side of a temple entrance. We also know
that hundreds of sphinxes could be lined up
along processional paths leading from one
temple to another.
Let’s go into the galleries
and think about sphinxes!
Family
Guide
Sphinx of the Female Pharaoh Hatshepsut, Dynasty 18, Joint Reign of
Hatshepsut and Tuthmosis III (ca. 1473–1458 b.c.); Rogers Fund, 1931; (31.3.166)

Search for Sphinxes
Use this map of the Egyptian galleries to locate each sphinx. All of them
have a lion’s body and a human head. Tip: There are many sphinxes in
these galleries. Look carefully to make sure you’ve found the right one!
To The Grace Rainey
Rogers Auditorium
Gallery 134
6
From Great Hall
Gallery 133
Gallery
104
Elevator
Fifth Avenue
1 Sphinx of Pharoah
Senwosret III
Dynasty 12 (ca. 1878–1840 b.c.)
Gift of Edward S. Harkness,
1917 (17.9.2)
2 Small Sphinx of the Female
Pharaoh Hatshepsut
Dynasty 18, Joint Reign of
Hatshepsut and Tuthmosis III
(ca. 1473–1458 b.c.)
Rogers Fund, 1931 (31.3.94)
5
START 1
3 Chair Panel of Pharaoh
Thutmose IV
Dynasty 18, Reign of Tuthmosis IV
(ca. 1400–1390 b.c.)
Theodore M. Davis collection,
bequest of Theodore M. Davis,
1915 (30.8.45a–c)
4 Sphinx of Pharaoh
Amenhotep III Holding Offerings
Dynasty 18, Reign of Amenhotep III
(ca. 1390–1352 b.c.)
Purchase, Lila Acheson Wallace-
Gift, 1972 (1972.125)
The Temple of Dendur
Gallery 131
2
Gallery 119
Gallery 117
3
5 Sphinx of the Female
Pharaoh Hatshepsut
Dynasty 18, Joint Reign of
Hatshepsut and Tuthmosis III
(ca. 1473–1458 b.c.)
Rogers Fund, 1931 (31.3.166)
6 The Protective God Tutu as
a Small Sphinx
Ptolemaic Period (332–30 b.c.)
Theodore M. Davis collection,
bequest of Theodore M. Davis,
1915 (30.8.71)
4
Gallery 116
Gallery
110 Gallery 111
Gallery 115

When you find a sphinx, look at it closely so you can answer the
questions about it in the chart. You will find the answer choices in the
list below. Write the letter of the answer in the chart. Some answers
can be used more than once.
Position
A. Lying down
B. Standing
C. Fighting
Ears
D. Human
E. Lion
Head Covering
F. Royal head cloth
(tied at back)
G. Three-part wig
(not tied at back)
H. Lion’s mane
End of Legs
(front and back)
I. Lion’s paws
J. Human hands
K. Nothing—missing
paws/hands
In what position is this sphinx?
What kind of ears does it have?
What covers its head?
What are at the ends of its front legs?
What are at the ends of its back legs?
What kind of tail does it have?
What material is it made of?
Tail
L. Lion (round end)
M. bull (long,
rectangular end)
N. Ends in
serpent’s head
Thinking Sphinx
Material
O. Red granite
(pink stone)
P. Gneiss (black and
white stone)
Q. blue faience
R. Limestone
(cream stone)
S. cedar wood
Bonus question: Only one of the sphinxes wears bracelets. If you have time,
return to Start and find that sphinx. Write its number here:
6

Time to Draw!
An Egyptian sphinx combines animal and human features to show different sides
of a powerful ruler. In the space below, put together different animal parts to make
a creature that shows who you are. Would you have the wings of a bird, the tail of
a monkey, the trunk of an elephant? What pose or clothing might also help others
to understand your special powers?
Education
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
1000 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10028-0198
www.metmuseum.org
This family guide is made possible by
The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation.
© 2009 The Metropolitan Museum of Art